Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park: The World’s Cave Kingdom

Where is Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park?

From central Vietnam’s Quang Binh province is Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a land of awe-inspiring beauty celebrated for its subterranean world of immense caves and stunning biodiversity. This remarkable destination is located about a four-hour drive (200 km / 125 miles) from Hue, the nation's former imperial capital.

Inaugurated in 1986, the park was honored by UNESCO in 2003 as a World Heritage site for its extraordinary geological history. It protects Asia’s oldest karst mountains, an ancient limestone landscape that tells a 400-million-year-old story dating back to the Paleozoic Era. This dramatic setting also serves as a vital sanctuary for a rich and diverse ecosystem.

How to Get there?

"How to get to Phong Nha-Ke Bang?" is a major concern in many travelers' plans. Here's a breakdown of the options from Vietnam's major cities.

From Dong Hoi to Phong Nha Town

After arriving in Dong Hoi by plane or train, you'll need to complete the final leg of your journey to Phong Nha, located about 45 km (28 miles) away. Here are the most common transportation options:

• Taxi or Private Car: The fastest and most convenient choice. This drive takes 45 to 60 minutes and typically costs between 400,000 and 500,000 VND (about $16-$20).
• Local Bus: The most budget-friendly option. The trip takes approximately 90 minutes, and the fare is around 35,000 VND (less than $2). Buses depart roughly every hour.

Things to Do in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

• Phong Nha Cave

A signature experience in the region, Phong Nha Cave is a UNESCO World Heritage marvel renowned for housing one of the world's longest underground rivers.

The adventure begins with a serene journey on the Son River aboard a traditional dragon boat. As you glide along the emerald-hued water, you’ll pass scenic fishing villages and towering karst mountains cloaked in jungle. The boat then enters the cave, revealing a subterranean wonderland where the darkness is broken only by your boat's light illuminating vast, otherworldly chambers. You will have the chance to disembark and walk through a large, dry cavern to admire the magnificent geological formations up close.

For an added adventure, climb the several hundred steps up the mountainside from the Phong Nha entrance to discover Tien Son Cave. This spectacular dry cave, much older than Phong Nha, is famous for its unique formations and the resonant, gong-like sounds its walls produce when gently tapped.

Fees & Fares:

• Phong Nha Cave Entrance: 150,000 VND per adult (~$6). Children under 1.3 meters are free.
• Tien Son Cave Entrance: 80,000 VND per adult (~$3).
• Boat Charter: 550,000 VND per boat (~$22). This is a required, fixed price for the round-trip journey, and each boat can hold up to 12 passengers.

>>>GOOD TO KNOW: Not only was Quang Binh province voted by "Travel + Leisure," but it was also rated by Lonely Planet magazine as the most worthwhile place to visit in Vietnam, with all three spots being part of the "Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park" system.

• Hang Son Dong
• Tu Lan cave
• Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
• Paraside Cave

💡If you are a trekking lover, check out more: Trekking in Vietnam: 6 best destinations, best time and practical tips

• Thien Duong Cave (Paradise Cave)

Thien Duong Cave, aptly named Paradise Cave, is celebrated as Asia's longest dry cave and is widely considered one of the most spectacular caverns in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.

Upon entering, visitors descend a wooden staircase into a chamber of breathtaking scale. Stretching an incredible 31 kilometers in length and reaching heights of up to 150 meters, the cave reveals a stunning landscape of colossal stalactites and stalagmites. A 1-kilometer wooden boardwalk allows for easy exploration of this subterranean wonder, where the ancient formations are artfully illuminated to create phenomenal photo opportunities.

For a more challenging experience, adventurous visitors can book a guided 7-km trekking tour that goes deep into the cave's undeveloped sections, involving both hiking and caving.Admission Fees

• Adults: 250,000 VND (~$10)
• Children (1.1m to 1.3m tall): 125,000 VND (~$5)
• Children (under 1.1m tall): Free

• Nuoc Mooc ecological park

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is located in a critical natural ecological area. It boasts a range of rainforests, striking blue rivers, and impressive limestone formations. These elements provide ample opportunities for visitors to explore the environment and breathe in the fresh air of this tranquil and beautiful setting. As you journey through the jungles and along the rivers, you may encounter a wide variety of wildlife, including vibrant bird species, colorful butterflies and dragonflies, and an array of plants, such as stunning orchids. If the temperature rises, it’s the perfect time for a refreshing swim.

💥Book tour: Tailor-made 3-week Vietnam organized tours, with a visit to Phong Nha💥

• Dark Cave

For those seeking a true adventure, the Dark Cave (Hang Tối) offers an action-packed experience from start to finish. True to its name, the cave's unlit passages are made of dark limestone, which you explore with only the beam of your headlamp.

The journey kicks off with a thrilling 400-meter zipline flight across the Chay River, soaring over its emerald waters. From there, you'll swim to the cave's entrance to begin your exploration, navigating narrow passageways that lead to a large, buoyant mud bath deep inside. After floating in the mineral-rich mud, the adventure continues back outside with kayaking on the river and time to enjoy a floating water obstacle course.

Tour Packages & Pricing

The Dark Cave is accessible via an all-inclusive package that includes all activities. Please note there are strict height and weight requirements for safety. Prices are seasonal.

Full Package (Adults):

• Peak Season (approx. March 16 - Sept 14): 450,000 VND (~$18)
• Low Season (approx. Sept 15 - March 15): 250,000 VND (~$10)
• Children (1.0m to 1.3m tall): 150,000 VND (~$6). This ticket includes water activities but does not permit entry into the cave itself.
• Children (under 1.0m tall): Are not permitted to participate in the activities.

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Once-in-a-Lifetime Expeditions into the Phong Nha area

Hang Son Doong

The undisputed centerpiece of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is Hang Son Doong, which holds the official Guinness World Records title for the largest natural cave on Earth.

Its scale is almost unimaginable. The main passage stretches for more than 5 kilometers (3 miles), reaching heights of 200 meters (650 ft) and widths of 150 meters (500 ft). This immense cavern is so vast it could house an entire New York City block, complete with 40-story skyscrapers. It also contains its own lush jungle ecosystem and a subterranean river, creating a unique world of its own.

Access to this pristine natural wonder is strictly limited to a few hundred visitors each year on professionally guided, multi-day expeditions, making it one of the most exclusive adventure travel experiences on the planet.

Hang En

As the world's third-largest cave, Hang En provides an adventure that is both spectacular and more accessible than its famous neighbor, Son Doong.

The 2-day, 1-night expedition leads you through pristine jungle and across numerous rivers. It’s a challenging journey that builds anticipation for the destination. The cave's entrance is jaw-dropping, but the true reward lies inside: a massive chamber where you will make camp on a sandy beach beside a serene, emerald-green lake.

This experience often inspires a moment of pure awe. While the trek covers roughly 25 km (over 15 miles) of hilly terrain and requires a moderate level of fitness, it pays off with a profound sense of discovery inside one of the planet's great natural wonders.

The Tu Lan Cave System

The Tu Lan cave system is known for its "wet cave" tours, where you will spend a lot of time swimming through underground rivers.

You can choose from single-day trips to multi-day expeditions. Each tour is a mix of trekking through valleys and swimming inside the caves, with some swims covering up to 500 meters (1,640 feet) in the dark. On longer trips, you also get to camp outdoors near waterfalls.

Because this is a water-focused adventure, knowing how to swim is a requirement. You should be prepared and comfortable with being wet for most of the journey.

Phong Nha Beyond the Caves

Ride the Phong Nha Motorbike Loop & Explore by Bicycle

One of the best ways to experience the Vietnamese countryside is to explore the area around Phong Nha by bicycle or motorbike.

The local roads will take you through vast rice paddies and small farming villages, where you'll often see water buffalo grazing by the roadside. The entire landscape is defined by the impressive limestone karst mountains that rise out of the fields.

For some of the most dramatic scenery, consider riding the well-known loop along the Ho Chi Minh Highway West. This route offers incredible mountain views from several free lookout points, giving you a great opportunity to slow down and see the authentic, day-to-day life of rural Vietnam.

Discover the Bong Lai Valley

The Bong Lai Valley is a peaceful stretch of countryside near Phong Nha, known as the perfect spot to unwind for an afternoon.

A popular activity here is to rent a bicycle and explore the quiet roads that wind past farms and fields of corn and peanuts. The valley is famous for a few quirky local businesses that have become must-visit stops. Highlights include The Pub with Cold Beer, renowned for its farm-to-table grilled chicken, and The Duck Stop, where you can feed a flock of ducks for a uniquely fun and chaotic experience.

Explore the Eco-Parks

For families or visitors looking for an organized outdoor activity, the Botanical Garden and Ozo Park are excellent choices.

• Botanical Garden: For a small fee (40,000 VND, or less than $2), you can take a relaxing walk on jungle trails to Gio Waterfall and Vang Anh Lake. It's a great, peaceful way to see the area's native plants and wildlife.

• Ozo Park: This park is for more active fun, offering treetop obstacle courses, ziplines, and kayaking. You can choose a ticket package that best fits your family's ages and interests.

Discover Wildlife and History

A unique experience in Phong Nha is joining a wildlife conservation tour. On these tours, you can help with conservation work by preparing food for animals, such as macaques and langurs, that have been rescued from illegal poaching. It's a hands-on way to learn about the challenges of wildlife protection and see the park's efforts up close.

For a look into the area's more recent history, you can visit the Eight Lady Cave (Hang Tam Co). It is a moving memorial to eight young volunteers who died tragically during the Vietnam War when a bomb blast sealed the cave they were using for shelter.

Kayaking on the Son River

Kayaking on the Son River is another popular activity in Phong Nha. It offers a different perspective, allowing you to see the impressive limestone karst mountains up close as you paddle along the water.

While the river is generally calm, this activity does require a moderate level of fitness.

How Long to Spend in Phong Nha?

To get a good feel for Phong Nha, plan for at least two full days. If a multi-day caving expedition is on your list, you'll want to set aside more time.

Here are a couple of suggestions to help you plan:

A Taste of Phong Nha (2 Days)

• Day 1: Cave Contrasts. Start your day admiring the immense scale of Paradise Cave, then switch to adventure with the afternoon activities at the Dark Cave.
• Day 2: River & Town Life. Enjoy a relaxing boat trip through Phong Nha Cave in the morning. In the afternoon, explore the cafes and shops in town.

The Full Experience (4 Days)

• Days 1-2: The Main Expedition. Dedicate your first two days to the memorable 2-day, 1-night trek to Hang En Cave.
• Day 3: Countryside Relaxation. After the trek, unwind with a leisurely bicycle ride through the peaceful farms and villages of the Bong Lai Valley.
• Day 4: Classic Farewell. Enjoy the iconic Phong Nha Cave boat tour as a final highlight before you depart.

What are the local gastronomic specialties?

In addition to Vietnamese dishes that can be found throughout the country (Pho, fried rice, noodles, banh mi, spring rolls, spring rolls, etc.) and certain Western dishes, there are 2 dishes that we eat more often in Phong Nha:

Cháo canh, a specialty soup from Quang Binh, a dish most often eaten for breakfast. In this soup, we mix fish heads, shrimp, pork, onions. This dish is most often served with cabbage, delicious!

Many restaurants offer numerous barbecue dishes. It can be served in one or more banana leaves. On the menu: rice, vegetables and barbecued meats (chicken, pork, duck, spicy sausages, etc.)

>>> You are also interested in Vietnamese cuisine? Let's Discover the Top Vietnamese Dishes to Try in Each Region!

Where to stay in Phong Nha Ke Bang?

• Eco-Resorts & Farmstays: These are typically located outside the main town in quieter, rural settings. Here you can find traditional-style wooden bungalows at places like Chày Lập Farmstay and Nguyen Shack.

• Hotels & Lakeside Resorts: For more comfort and amenities like a swimming pool, places such as Phong Nha Lake House offer modern hotel rooms, many with views of Dong Suon Lake.

• Budget Hostels & Guesthouses: In the center of Phong Nha town, you'll find plenty of affordable guesthouses and hostels, which are popular choices for backpackers and budget travelers.

What is the weather forecast for Phong Nha – Ke Bang?

The weather of Phong Nha - Ke Bang is similar to that of the entire northern region of Vietnam with a tropical climate. In winter, it can be cool and drop to 10°C. In summer, on the other hand, temperatures rise and can reach 41°C with stifling humidity.

We recommend that you avoid traveling to Phong Nha - Ke Bang during the rainy season and typhoon period, between October and December as heavy rains may disrupt your stay. Instead, choose a discovery of Phong Nha between February and August to enjoy more pleasant temperatures!

Phong Nha Ke Bang Park has something to satisfy nature lovers, sports enthusiasts, adventurers, the curious, geology enthusiasts... which makes this place an unmissable destination during a trip to Vietnam.

Phong Nha Ke Bang FAQs (Click to see)

What is Phong Nha famous for?

 Phong Nha cave is the most famous of the system with tour boats able to penetrate inside to a distance of 1,500 m.

How much does it cost to go to Son Doong cave?

According to Oxalis Adventure, the only tour operator for the Son Doong discovery tour, a 4-day, 3-night exploration of the world's largest cave costs 3,000 USD (69.8 million VND) per person.

How long to spend in Phong Nha Ke Bang?

We recommend staying at least two days, longer if hiking, trekking, or joining a caving expedition. You can explore small caves independently or take a short boat tour for $7.

Are there grabs in Phong Nha?

Since there are no grab cars, railway stations, or airports in Phong Nha, you'll need to travel to the nearby city of Dong Hoi for air or rail options. Alternatively, you can take a bus or a private car from nearby destinations like Hue, Da Nang, or Hoi An.

Why Son Doong cave tour priced at $3,000 a person?

Some of the factors that have set the price for the Son Doong Cave tour at $3,000 are highlighted below.

• Limited Access: It allows only 1,000 visitors to see the cave each year to preserve it, which will make this tour very exclusive.
• Full Service: It will cover all entrance fees, accommodation, food, and guides, so clients will enjoy a full-service tour.
• Safety and Support: Every tour will be provided with a well-trained team of porters and safety personnel in addition to the best quality safety equipment.

These contributing factors set the tour at a premium price.

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